Labor Day tourism expected to be strong

August 28, 2002

Preliminary reports from tour-ism bureaus across the state suggest business is good, with spending up in many sectors.

Sixty-five percent of those with travel plans will remain in Michigan (down from 69 percent in 2001), and the average trip length will be four to five days - a trend that has continued since the state-mandated Friday "holiday" was enacted in 1999.

"The weak economy and post-9-11 terrorist threats have kept many travelers closer to home," said Linda Woolwine, vice president of Travel for the Auto Club Group. "We've seen a dramatic increase in the number of people staying in a hotel, motel or resort, which means occupancy rates and overall spending may be higher this year. These factors should help Michigan meet our prediction of 3-percent growth for 2002."

This year's Labor Day travel period caps a summer of relatively stable, moderate gas prices - $1.435 as of Aug. 12 (about a penny lower than last year). More than three-quarters (88 percent) of travelers said that a change in gas prices would have no impact on their travel plans for the weekend.

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Len Trankina, executive director of the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce, said the summer tourism season has been "strong and solid," with some weaker numbers early in the season due to colder weather.

According to Linda Jones of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, Michigan wineries report that "business is up over last year," with more families in attendance at the tasting rooms.

Traffic reports from the Mackinac Bridge Authority show an increase in bridge traffic during May, June and July - up 3.2, 2.1 and 1.4 percent respectively from the previous year. The United States-Canada Bridge and Tunnel Operator's Association reports a year-to-date decrease (through July) of 12 percent for the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit; nearly 7 percent for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron and a decrease of 21 percent for the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

According to an auto club survey of 500 Michigan residents, weather will have little influence on Labor Day travel plans. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the respondents said they would not consider canceling a trip due to rain or cool temperatures. Major findings from AAA Michigan's 2002 Labor Day survey show:

* 82 percent of the trips will be more than 100 miles from home (up from 68 percent last year);

* two-thirds of travelers (65 percent) will stay in Michigan, compared to 69 percent in 2001;

* approximately 90 percent of all trips will be by car, truck or van, up from 78 percent in 2001; and

* travelers' accommodations are distributed as follows: staying in a hotel, motel or resort (33 percent); in a second home or with relatives (14 percent); rental cottages (12 percent); in tents (10 percent); in a trailer or RV (8 percent); with friends (4 percent), on a boat or in a condominium (2 percent).

The official 78-hour Labor Day holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Friday.

and runs to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3.

During last year's Labor Day holiday period, 20 people died in 17 fatal crashes on roads across the state. That was down from the 2000 holiday, when 27 people died in 20 fatal crashes. Nine of last year's fatal crashes were alcohol-related, and safety restraints were used by only 23 percent of the victims. Three of last year's fatal crashes involved pedestrians and five involved motorcycles.

To reduce these numbers this Labor Day holiday, all drivers are urged to use safety belts, avoid alcohol, stay alert at the wheel and observe all traffic laws.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will enforce Michigan's mandatory safety belt law during the holiday, issuing tickets to those who fail to buckle up. "Click It or Ticket" Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) information is available at AAA branches statewide.

Beginning Aug. 30 and continuing through September, AAA Michigan and McDonald's restaurants of Michigan will sponsor a "Be Awake, Be Aware" traffic safety campaign. McDonald's will offer a free small cup of coffee to travelers who present a coupon available in the September issue of Michigan Living magazine. Safety and travel tips from AAA will be available on the tray liners at participating McDonald's restaurants.

For detour information, call 800-411-4823 or visit: www.aaamich.com on the Web.